RootzoneLab - In-depth insight into the root environment and soilless cultivation

RootzoneLab is a high-tech research facility where the behaviour of the root zone in soilless cultivation systems is monitored in detail. The demand for sustainable alternatives to peat as a growing medium in greenhouse horticulture is steadily increasing. The specific properties of these alternatives determine how crops must be grown, particularly with regard to irrigation and fertilisation. At the same time, plants require an optimal balance between water and air in the root zone. Ideally, a growing medium should also be biologically stable and retain its original properties throughout the entire cultivation cycle.

Our experts can carry out scientific laboratory tests to determine the following agronomic properties of your substrate products or mixes:

• Water retention (pF curve)
• Water uptake rate
• Dry bulk density & lab bulk density
• Total pore volume
• Organic matter content & mineral matter content
• pH buffer capacity
• Particle size distribution
• N immobilisation
• Oxygen uptake rate (bio-stability)
• Cation exchange capacity (external analysis)
• pH, EC and element concentrations (external analysis)
• Mechanical properties and plant compatibility tests for mineral wool substrates

In addition, RootzoneLab offers the following options:

• Rapid and sensitive tests to detect phytotoxic effects of products in the root zone, such as fertilisers, growing media, water treatment agents and cleaning agents.
• Testing of techniques and products for effectiveness against biofilm formation or the removal of existing biofilms.
• Research into the role of growing media composition and water treatment techniques in suppressing soilborne diseases.
• Research into the effects of biostimulants on plant growth and performance (e.g. rooting, photosynthetic activity).
• Assessment of water purification systems for the removal of crop protection products according to the legal BZG protocol, including reporting to the Assessment Committee for Greenhouse Horticulture Water Purification Systems.
• Supply of Standard Water to external parties for testing water treatment technologies in greenhouse horticulture.
• Testing and certification of materials used in greenhouses, such as flexible rubber heating hoses, screens or drip lines, for the release of toxic gases.

RootzoneLab is designed for companies across the greenhouse horticulture chain that want to identify which substrates, irrigation schemes and strategies work best in their practice—from growers to suppliers of substrates, sensors and irrigation technologies.
In addition to providing objective tests with your products, our greenhouse experts can also offer support and advice on the path towards large-scale implementation in greenhouse cultivation systems.